Who Prescribes Droxidopa?

Droxidopa (brand name Northera) is a prescription medication used to treat neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) — a condition where your blood pressure drops significantly when you stand up, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Because nOH is tied to underlying neurological conditions, you'll typically need a specialist to prescribe Droxidopa.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Droxidopa?

The most common specialists who prescribe Droxidopa include:

• Neurologists: The primary prescribers, especially those specializing in movement disorders or autonomic dysfunction. If your nOH is related to Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy (MSA), or pure autonomic failure (PAF), a neurologist is your starting point.
• Cardiologists: Some cardiologists who specialize in syncope or autonomic disorders may prescribe Droxidopa, particularly when nOH causes recurrent fainting episodes.
• Autonomic specialists: A small number of physicians specialize specifically in autonomic nervous system disorders. Major academic medical centers often have autonomic dysfunction clinics.
• Primary care physicians: While less common, some PCPs will prescribe Droxidopa if the diagnosis is established and the patient needs a refill or continuation of therapy started by a specialist.

How to Find a Provider

1. Use Your Insurance Directory

Start with your insurance company's provider directory. Search for neurologists in your area and filter by those who treat Parkinson's disease or autonomic disorders. Call the office before booking to confirm they have experience with Droxidopa and nOH.

2. Try Zocdoc

Zocdoc lets you search for neurologists by insurance, location, and availability. Look for providers who list movement disorders or Parkinson's disease as specialties. You can often book online and see available appointments in real time.

3. Ask for a Referral

If you already have a primary care doctor, ask for a referral to a neurologist who treats autonomic conditions. A referral from your PCP may be required by your insurance plan anyway, and your doctor may know which specialists in your area are most experienced with nOH.

4. Academic Medical Centers

Major university hospitals often have dedicated autonomic disorder clinics. While you may need to travel, these centers offer the most specialized expertise for complex nOH cases. Institutions like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center are known leaders.

5. Telehealth Options

Telehealth neurology appointments are increasingly available and can be a good option for follow-up visits or medication management once a diagnosis is established. However, the initial evaluation for nOH typically requires in-person testing (such as a tilt table test).

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you see a doctor about Droxidopa, prepare for:

• Blood pressure measurements: Lying down, sitting, and standing — to document the orthostatic drop
• Medical history review: Your underlying neurological condition, current medications, and symptom patterns
• Discussion of current treatments: Whether you've tried Midodrine or other approaches first (some insurance plans require step therapy)
• Tilt table test: May be ordered to formally diagnose nOH if not already done

After You Get Your Prescription

Getting the prescription is only half the battle with Droxidopa. You'll also need to navigate:

• Prior authorization: Most insurance plans require it. Your doctor's office can submit through CoverMyMeds.
• Specialty pharmacy: Brand Northera is usually dispensed through specialty pharmacies. Generic Droxidopa may be available at retail pharmacies.
• Finding stock: Use Medfinder to find pharmacies with Droxidopa available near you.
• Cost management: See our guide to saving money on Droxidopa — generic with a coupon can be as low as $36.90 vs. $2,721 for brand.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who can prescribe Droxidopa starts with identifying the right specialist — typically a neurologist with experience in autonomic disorders or movement disorders. Use your insurance directory, Zocdoc, or a referral from your PCP to connect with the right provider. Once you have your prescription, tools like Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy with stock and get started on treatment.

For more about Droxidopa, see our guides on what Droxidopa is, side effects, and how it works.